Architectural surveys to be a part of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act

HONOLULU — Hawaii’s towns and landscapes are changing rapidly. The era of the sugar plantations is coming to a close. The once numerous crack seed, shave ice, and mom and pop stores on small town streets are giving way to big box stores, along with one-lane bridges that were crossed with patience and a “shaka” to other drivers. These old-time buildings, structures and places distinguish our unique Hawai‘i identity, and can provide glimpses into our past that can continue to influence the future landscape of Hawai‘i.

In an effort to identify and document these remaining places, the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) will be surveying residential neighborhoods on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i islands, starting in mid-February 2016. The purpose of the surveys is to record what still exists and provide written histories for each area. These surveys will give communities an opportunity to share their stories and explain why a place is important. These stories can then inspire future generations to be as passionate about their history as were those who came before them.

The surveys are funded by the Hawai‘i State Legislature. In 2015 it appropriated $200,000 for the next two years through Act 89. Surveys will provide communities with historic contexts and documentation of the historic architecture of the islands. Field work is anticipated to be completed by May, which is celebrated as National Historic Preservation month.

Each survey will consist of two parts: first, a team of architectural historians and interns will walk the neighborhoods and photograph specific features of each building; second, a team of architectural historians will do archival research and interviews to create historic contexts for each survey area. Anticipated project survey areas and dates are as follows:

February 16-18: Kaua‘i — Hanalei, Kapa‘a, Lihu‘e, and Hanapepe

February 29 – March 2: Maui — Wailuku, Pa‘ia, Hali‘imaile, and Kula

March 28 – 30: Hawai‘i island — Hilo and Na‘alehu

April 11 – 13: Hawai‘i island — Papa‘aloa and Hawi

The results of the survey and its associated historic contexts will be made public. The purpose of the surveys is to document buildings, and serve as a starting place for communities interested in exploring their history. The surveys will not list buildings on a historic register, and will not restrict property owners from modifying their buildings. For more information go to http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/

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Resources: Video and still photographs from the first neighborhood surveys will be made available after the surveys start.

“News in Brief”
The State Historic Preservation Division will be surveying residential districts on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i islands this spring. Surveys, which were funded by the Hawai‘i Legislature, will provide historic contexts and documentation of historic architecture in island communities. Field work will take place between mid-February and April, and completed by May, which is celebrated as National Historic Preservation month. For more information on the survey schedule go to http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/